“You’re either going to deal with it now or deal with it later. That’s how time works.”
Have you ever noticed how easily we get used to things that aren’t working the way they should? It happens at home, like my garage door that only works if I hold the button, and even more often at work.
Recently in the Cockerell Academy community call I talked about this very phenomenon. It’s amazing what we get used to and think is okay. That mindset shows up in small, nagging issues that we learn to tolerate That is, until they pile up into bigger problems. A sticky door, a leaky faucet, or a broken piece of equipment becomes part of the landscape when no one addresses it. But that acceptance of the average creates a culture of complacency.
During my time managing hotels, I used to walk the floors twice a day. Over time, that visibility created trust. People began to point out things they’d normally ignore, knowing I would act on them. That follow-through became our culture. Everything mattered because people saw that I cared.
Fixing what’s broken, no matter how small, sends a message. It reinforces standards, builds morale, and improves the guest and employee experience. You don’t need to do it all at once, but you do need to start noticing again.
So here’s your challenge: Don’t get accustomed to average. Be the person who pays attention and takes action.
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Notable Moments:
[00:01:00] — Lee shares highlights from his granddaughter’s wedding in France
[00:03:30] — “It’s amazing what we get used to and think is okay” becomes the focal point
[00:06:00] — Fixing the dog’s ACL vs. delaying home repairs: how we set emotional priorities
[00:07:40] — Importance of walking the floor and modeling high standards at work
[00:13:00] — Fixing heat strips and noticing the small details that matter
[00:15:38] — Creating habits by giving teams clarity and preparation
